Jeff Francis

Jeffrey William Francis (born January 8, 1981) is a Canadian former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Cincinnati Reds, Oakland Athletics, New York Yankees, and Toronto Blue Jays.

Early life

Francis attended Burnsview Junior Secondary School and North Delta Senior Secondary School in North Delta, British Columbia. After playing for the North Delta Blue Jays of the B.C. Premier Baseball League, the highest calibre junior league in British Columbia, Francis went on to pursue a major in physics at the University of British Columbia while playing for the UBC Thunderbirds. He was selected in the 1st round (9th pick overall) by the Colorado Rockies in the 2002 Major League Baseball Draft. Along with Adam Loewen, who was selected at fourth overall in the same draft, the two received much publicity as they were drafted higher than any other Canadian baseball players up to that time. Francis was signed by Greg Hopkins.

Jeff Francis (American football)

Jeffrey Lee Francis (born July 7, 1966) is a former American football player and current football sideline reporter for the Vol Network

Francis played quarterback for Johnny Majors at the University of Tennessee from 1985 to 1988, starting from 1987 to 1988. He was the starting quarterback for Tennessee in the 1988 Peach Bowl, which the Volunteers won 27–22. He was Tennessee's all-time leader in pass completions and passing yards at the time of his graduation.

Francis was drafted by the Los Angeles Raiders in the 6th Round of the 1989 NFL Draft and spent his rookie season on the Raiders' development roster. He was waived by the Raiders on September 4, 1990. On October 11, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns and placed on the practice squad. Francis was activated by the Browns before their December 23 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He appeared in that game, completing two passes for 26 yards.

Francis spent the 1991 season on injured reserve and was cut by the Browns on August 25, 1992. He was re-signed by Cleveland on September 23 when backup Todd Philcox went on the injured reserve. He was again waived by the Browns on October 1.